2003 BMW 745LI recalls and problems

The 2003 BMW 745LI has 2 safety recalls and 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 BMW 745LI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 BMW 745LI recalls

Recall 03V-324: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 26, 2003 · 2,400 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine oil filter drain plug may be insufficiently tightened. This could lead to loosening of the plug causing an initial oil spray and a subsequent oil leak.

Risk: If a large amount of oil loss occurs, engine damage may result. Depending on the extent of the damage, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the torque of the oil filter drain plug and, if necessary, retighten the drain plug with the correctly specified torque. Owner notification began on september 12, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 03V-240: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 1, 2003 · 5,470 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, due to a software error, a desynchronization of the valvetronic motors for engine banks I and II may occur. If this occurs, the engine could stall.

Risk: In those cases, the driver may not be able to restart the engine. Depending on the level of engine roughness, or stalling, as well as traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began july 8, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2003 BMW 745LI problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	11
Power Train	8
Electrical System	7
Service Brakes	6
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Engine and Engine Cooling	5
Tires	4
Equipment	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4
Structure	3
Seat Belts	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 1
Structure › Body › Tailgate — 1
Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments — 1
Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 BMW 745LI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 174,500 miles · reported Jul 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,500.

Air Bags · at 75,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2019

The airbag light and warning never clears when driving the passgners airbag warning light is on , saying bring to nearest bmw dealer ship.

Air Bags · at 181,000 miles · reported Oct 3, 2017

The contact owns a 2003 bmw 745li. After placing the vehicle in park, the contact noticed that the gear shifted independently into neutral. The contact called bmw of sterling located in sterling, virginia and was informed that he had to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the passenger air bag malfunction warning indicator illuminated continuously. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000.

Power Train · reported Mar 18, 2017

My car is having severe transmission problems that were recalled on other cars of the same year, make and model. Also the park lights won't work most of the time. The traction control as well as the antilock brakes go in and out. The stability control on the feont passenger side goes out. It happens while driving.

Service Brakes · at 116,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2016

While driving approximately 25 MPH and applying pressure to the brake pedal it became difficult to engage the brakes and almost rear ended a stopped vehicle. The brakes where no longer functioning properly after that. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where I was told vacuum brake pump, the lock ring seal, and the brake booster needed to be replaced. After some research I found out that there was a recall for my vehicle. I contacted the local bmw dealer and was told that the recall was closed for my vehicle and I would have to pay out of pocket expense to repair.the approximate…

Other BMW 745LI years

2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002

Compare all BMW 745LI years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 BMW 745LI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 745LI: 03V-324 (engine and engine cooling), 03V-240 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 745LI?

Owners report air bags problems most often (11 reports), followed by power train (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.